Review: A Kiss for Midwinter

Reviewed by Jen
 

I enjoyed this sidestory novella in Courtney Milan's new Brothers Sinister series. It centers on Lydia , Minnie's best friend from The Duchess War --and boy, does she have a story to tell.  She got pregnant out of wedlock at just 15 years-old by a married man who told her lies.  Then she lost the baby.  But her parents stood by her side and kept her secret.

It's been six years since that horrible time, and Lydia refuses to ignore the good things in life.  She won't be overcome by bitterness.  And it's that remaining softness, that optimism, that fascinates Jonas.  He was just a doctor in training when he witnessed Lydia at her lowest. But now when he looks at her, he only sees what she has overcome, and he is captivated by her. Unfortunately, when she looks at him, she is reminded of what she went through and is convinced that he sees her as the lowest of the low.

Jonas sets out to woo her with an unconventional bet. She agrees to visit three of his patients with him. If she can still look on the world the same way after that, he'll agree never to speak to her again. If she can't, she owes him a kiss.

I liked Jonas. He is socially awkward and blunt.  There is no subterfuge or hidden meanings in his words or actions. He simply is who he is.  A good doctor; a good son; a good man.  Meanwhile, poor Lydia pushes her real feelings down so deep, even she can't recognize them herself.   I empathized with both of them and wanted them together so much!  I really enjoyed watching it all fall into place.

Courtney Milan made me laugh... and made me feel for both these characters, in just a hundred pages or so.  And while the story is tied to The Duchess War, this works 100% as a standalone.  Smart, witty, engaging, and satisfying.

Rating: B+

*ARC provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

A Kiss for Midwinter

by Courtney Milan

Release Date: December 18, 2012